Americans can now claim a second set of free COVID-19 tests this fall.
The COVID.gov website has announced that starting Nov. 20, each U.S. household can order four more free at-home tests.
This news follows the Biden administration’s announcement of the first round of free COVID-19 tests of fall 2023, which started in late September.
You can order more tests at covid.gov/tests or special.usps.com/testkits. They will be delivered by the U.S. Postal Service.
According to the federal site, these free at-home tests are designed for use:
- “If you begin having COVID-19 symptoms like fever, sore throat, runny nose, or loss of taste or smell, or
- At least 5 days after you come into close contact with someone with COVID-19, or
- When you’re going to gather with a group of people, especially those who are at risk of severe disease or may not be up to date on their COVID-19 vaccines”
If you still have tests on hand at home, the government urges you to check their expiration dates before throwing them out. The expiration dates of some tests have been extended.
You can learn more about COVID-19 test expiration dates on the Food and Drug Administration website.
If you are in urgent need of testing for COVID-19, your options include:
- Buying an at-home test at a retailer, such as a pharmacy.
- Checking for free testing sites in your area. Visit testinglocator.cdc.gov to search for one near you.